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What will change with the EU Right to Repair from 2026?
With the implementation of EU Directive 2024/1799, key provisions of sales and warranty law will be amended. The aim is to make repairs more attractive and to extend the useful life of products. The rules apply uniformly across the EU and leave no substantive discretion to individual Member States.
Repair obligation for manufacturers: What duties will apply?
Manufacturers of selected product groups will be required to:
- offer repairs even outside statutory warranty and commercial guarantees
- charge a reasonable price (including labour costs and a customary profit margin)
- provide repairs for as long as spare parts must be made available under EU ecodesign requirements
Technical measures that hinder repairs (e.g. software or hardware locks) will be prohibited. Spare parts and tools must be made available at fair prices, including to independent repair providers.
Repairability as a product characteristic: Implications for retail and warranty law
In future, repairability will explicitly form part of a product’s normal expected quality.
If a product is not repairable where repairability would normally be expected, this constitutes a lack of conformity. Consumers may then assert corresponding warranty rights.
For retailers, this increases the importance of product transparency, assortment decisions and clear communication.
Extended warranty period when choosing repair instead of replacement
If consumers deliberately opt for repair instead of replacement within the statutory warranty period:
- the warranty period is extended once by twelve months
- retailers must inform consumers in advance about this choice and the resulting extension
Recourse against suppliers remains unchanged.
Which products fall under the Right to Repair?
Currently covered product groups include, among others:
- household washing machines and washer-dryers
- dishwashers and refrigeration appliances
- electronic displays (e.g. televisions)
- smartphones and tablets
- vacuum cleaners
- servers and data storage products
- battery-powered light means of transport (e.g. e-bikes)
Furniture and home furnishings are not currently included in the scope of application.
Why this topic is relevant for Home & Living
The list of covered products may be expanded in the future through EU legal acts, in particular on the basis of new ecodesign requirements. The new EU Ecodesign Framework Regulation already provides the foundation for potential future requirements, for example relating to durability or repairability of furniture.
Conclusion for the retail sector
The EU Right to Repair strengthens repair as a sustainable alternative to replacement. For retailers, this means that information obligations, customer advice and repair options will become increasingly important. Businesses that engage with the new legal framework at an early stage can prepare strategically and better anticipate future requirements.
FAQ – Right to Repair (short & concise)
Does the Right to Repair apply only in Germany?
No. The Right to Repair is based on an EU directive and will apply across the entire EU.
Why is the current discussion focused mainly on Germany?
Germany has already published a concrete draft law for implementation. Other EU Member States are at different stages of national transposition.
When will the new rules apply?
All Member States must apply the EU rules by 31 July 2026 at the latest.
Can EU countries introduce stricter or more lenient rules?
No. The directive is fully harmonised. Member States may not deviate from the EU requirements in substance.
What does this mean for retailers and manufacturers operating across the EU?
Companies must prepare for uniform rules across the EU internal market. Differences will mainly arise in enforcement and implementation, not in the core obligations.
